A Study Guide for the Greatest Chapter in the Bible (2024)

The Greatest Chapter in theBible?

A Study Guide for Romans 8 by Coty Pinckney, Desiring God Community Church, Charlotte NC

What is the greatest chapter in the Bible? Psalm 23? John15? Revelation 5?

While “all Scripture is God-breathed andprofitable,” certain sections stand out as especially used by God over thecenturies, particularly the book of Romans. Listen to what great expositorshave said about this book:

• Ray Stedman: “the most powerful human document that has ever been penned.”
• John Piper: “Which of us, who has tasted the goodness and glory of God in this great gospel, does not count the book of Romans precious beyond reckoning? . . . there is no greater exposition of the Gospel of God than the book of Romans.”
• Donald Grey Barnhouse: “Every movement of revival in the Christian church has been connected with the teachings set forth in Romans.”

And within Romans, what is the greatest chapter?Opinions differ, of course, but most will answer, “Romans 8.” Think of thesefamiliar verses:

• 1) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
• 28) And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
• 32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?
• 38) For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, (39) nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Isn’t it time for you to study Romans 8 andapply these great truths to your life?

This is a 12-16 week, in-depthstudy of Romans 8, averaging less than 3 verses per week (there are 12 weeklypreparation guides, but leaders should allow some discussions to take one and ahalf or two weeks). We will answer these and other questions along the way:

• Should sin in my life cause me to question whether or not I am in Christ?
• How can I counsel someone who is trapped in sin?
• What is the role of suffering in the life of a Christian?
• How can we say God works all things together for good when my life is a mess?
• Can I separate myself from the love of God?

I encourage you to dive in to thischapter with us. But be forewarned: Your life will be changed by the truths ofthis passage!

Note on English translations: The New American Standard isgenerally the best English translation to use for careful, verse-by-versestudy. The NIV for Romans 8 has two main problems: first, it frequently leavesout key conjunctions, thus making it difficult to know the relationship betweendifferent verses. For example, the word “for” appears at the beginning of 8:5and 8:6 in the NAS, translating the Greek word gar; the NIV simplyleaves out the word. A second problem with the NIV is the translation of theGreek word sarx, “flesh” in NAS. The NIV renders this “sinful nature” orsimply “sinful,” which introduces a fair amount of interpretation into thetranslation. So the NAS is preferred, but by all means look at othertranslations if you have them. The preparation guides occasionally make noteson translation. In addition, the text of the ESV is printed with each week’s questions.

Week 1: Romans 7:2-8:4

Week 2: Romans 8:5-8

Week 3: Romans 8:9-11

Week 4: Romans 8:12-13

Week 5: Romans 8:14-17a

Week 6: Romans 8:17b-22

Week 7: Romans 8:23-25

Week 8: Romans 8:26-27

Week 9: Romans 8:28

Week 10: Romans 8:29-30

Week 11: Romans 8:31-34

Week 12: Romans 8:35-39

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Week 1: Romans 7:24-8:4

Read 6:15 to 8:11 several times before answering thesequestions. Look at the translation notes below.

1) Why is Paul wretched in 7:24? What is he referring towhen he says “this death”?

2) Why does Paul thank God in 7:25? How would you continuethe sentence? “Thanks be to God because . . .”

3) See the translation notes on 7:25. How is this verserelated to the theme of slavery found in 6:14-7:6?

4) Paul has not used the word “condemnation” since 5:18. Whydoes he bring it up in 8:1? What is the link between this statement and theverses at the end of chapter 7?

5) What does being “in Christ Jesus” have to do with our notbeing condemned? See 3:24, 6:11, 6:23.

6) 8:2 begins with the word “For.” That means verse twoprovides the logical ground for verse 1, or the reason that verse 1 is true.How does it serve this purpose? In your answer, explain the meaning of the two“laws” mentioned in the verse. In doing so, look back at 7:25 and 7:22-23.

7) Verse 3 again begins with “For.” So we should expect alogical ground for verse 2. Note that verses 3 and 4 are one sentence in Greek,so the two verses together provide the ground. Here is a literal but awkwardtranslation of verse 3: “For the impossibility of the law in that it wasweakened by the flesh, God condemned sin in the flesh, sending his own son inthe likeness of sinful flesh and for sin” Clearly, all English translationsmust add words – Paul evidently leaves some words out because he thinks it’s soclear to the readers what those words should be! What words would you add thatmake this verse (together with 4) a logical ground for verse 2?

8) What is it that the Law could not do? What does Godsending his Son in the “likeness of sinful flesh” and “for sin” have to do withthis powerlessness of the Law?

9) In what sense did God “condemn sin in the flesh”? Doesn’tchapter 7 teach that sin is alive and well, even in believers?

10) Verse 4 begins “in order that.” Thus, verse 4 provides thepurpose for some statement in verse 3. Which statement does it refer to: Godsending His Son, or God condemning sin (or both)?

11) In verse 4, the NIV’s rendering “righteous requirementsof the law” brings out an important connotation, but the Greek word issingular. What “righteous requirement” of the Law is fulfilled in us? How is itfulfilled? Does the verse mean, “By walking according to the Spirit we fulfillthe righteous requirement of the Law”? Why, or why not?

12) Now, once again consider: Why does Paul break out inpraise to God in 7:25? Why is this important for you and me, both as we livethe Christian life and stand alongside of others?

This week’s translation notes:

7:24 Whether the word "this" modifies "body" or "death" is ambiguous in Greek; compare the NAS to the ESV and NIV.

7:25 NAS has “serving the law ofGod”; NIV’s rendering “am a slave to the law of God” is helpful, bringing outan important connotation of the Greek word. But note the NIV’s use of “sinfulnature” for “flesh.”

8:1 The Greek emphasizes the word“no.”

8:2 (a) NAS “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” ismuch more literal than the NIV rendering.

(b) NIV has “set me free”, NAS “set you free.” This is a textualproblem in the Greek manuscripts – some manuscripts have ‘me’, some ‘you’. Donote, however, that there is no impersonal ‘you’ in Greek; when Paul uses“you,” he is referring to the readers of his letter.

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Week 2: Romans 8:5-8

(1) Look back on your notes for verses 1-4. Also look aheadto verses 9 to 11. What purpose do verses 5-8 serve in the flow of Paul’sargument?

(2) This section abounds in the word “for”. See thetranslation notes. Recall that “for” introduces a ground, or reason why thepreceding proposition is true. Specifically, what thought from the previous 4verses is Paul grounding in verse 5?

(3) What groups of people is Paul talking about in verse 5?How do they relate to groups of people discussed in verse 4? Which of these isthe same as the group of people discussed in verse 1? Do you think Paul istalking about two distinct groups of people, or could the same person switchback and forth between being “according to the flesh” and “according to theSpirit”? What in this passage leads you to that answer?

(4) Again, “for” introduces verse 6. What thought in verse 5is grounded here?

(5) Look back over 6:14 to 8:5. Pick out the verses thatrefer to death. Use these verses to help explain what Paul means by “the mindset on the flesh is death.”

(6) “Because” introduces verse 7, followed by “for” twicelater in the verse. Explain how each statement grounds the preceding.

(7) Evaluate this statement in light of verse 7: “What weneed in our society is to remove the historical inequities and then create ajust set of laws, based on God’s moral law. Then our problems will be solved!”

(8) Think hard about these four verses, 8:5-8. From your ownlife or the lives of people you know, reflect on the hostility toward God ofthe mind set on the flesh. What examples can you think of? Does this help youto understand verse 8? What hope is there for those with minds set on theflesh?

(9) Think again about question 1 and modify your answer ifnecessary.

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Translation notes: The NIV is veryloose on verses 5-8; it provides a plausible interpretation of the text, but itreally is an interpretation here, not a translation. I strongly recommend forthese verses that you work from the NAS or ESV (or King James, for thatmatter).

Verses 5 to 7: Note the connecting words:“for” (gar in Greek) and “because” (dioti in Greek). These arekey to understanding the passage, yet are awkward to translate into Englishbecause there are so many of them! The NAS is most faithful to the originalhere, putting “for” at the beginning of verses 5 and 6, “because” at thebeginning of verse 7, and “for” two more times in verse 7.

Verse 7: The beginning of the verse reads,literally, “Because the mind of the flesh is hostility unto God;” or “Becausethe fleshly thought is hostility unto God.”

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Week 3: Romans 8:9-11

(1) Look back on your notes for verses 1-8. Also look aheadto verses 12 to 17. Remind yourself of the purpose served by verses 5-8 in theflow of Paul’s argument. What statement did Paul make in verse 4? How do verses5-8 support that statement? Given those answers, what purpose do verses 9-11serve in the flow of Paul’s argument?

(2) There are four conditional statements in verses 9 to 11;indeed, the three verses consist of nothing other than conditional statements.We usually think of conditional statements as “if . . . then” statements: thatis, the word “if” followed by a condition; then the word “then,” followed by aconsequence of the condition. Paul doesn’t follow that word order here, and isnot consistent in the word order he uses. To make the statements clearer, writeout these four conditions and their consequences.

(3) Look at the translation notes below for verse 9. Allfour of these conditions are of the same type: he assumes, at least for thesake of argument, that the condition is true. Rewrite the 2nd, 3rd, and 4thconditions, following the pattern of the paraphrase given in the translationnotes.

(4) What is the relationship of the 2nd half of verse 9 tothe rest of this section?

(5) In verse 9, why does Paul call the Spirit the “Spirit ofGod” one time and the “Spirit of Christ” another? What does this imply aboutJesus?

(6) In verse 10, in what sense is the body dead? What doesthis verse say about sin in the life of believers?

(7) In verse 10, should the word “spirit” be capitalized?Whose spirit is alive because of righteousness? Where in this passage have weencountered the concept of righteousness before? (hint: see the translationnotes for verses 1-4). In what sense is the spirit alive because ofrighteousness?

(8) In verse 11, who is said to have raised Jesus from thedead? Who will give life to your mortal bodies? What is the role of the Spirit?Look at Romans 6:1-13, and see the translation notes below.

(9) Explain the relationship between the “if” condition andthe result in verse 11. Why does Paul mention Jesus being raised from the dead?

(10) Is the promise that “He who raised Christ Jesus fromthe dead will also give life to your mortal bodies” fulfilled in this life orin the life to come (or both)? Consider Galatians 2:20, and explain youranswer.

(11) Try again to summarize the argument of these 3 verses.Why are these verses important? What relevance do they have for the way we livethe Christian life?

(12) A friend comes to you and says: “I accepted Christ asmy Savior 10 years ago, but I have been caught up in this terrible sin. Am Ireally saved?” After your study of these verses, and in light of Romans 6 and7, what do you say to your friend?

Translation notes: The NIV continuesits loose, interpretive translation through the first sentence of verse 9, butin the rest of this section it is fine.

Verse 9: Greek has different ways to state a conditionalstatement. The following paraphrase helps to communicate the sense of thecondition here: “Doesn’t the Spirit of God dwell in you? Then you are not inthe flesh (and thus unable to please God), but in the Spirit!”

The last phrase in the verse reads literally, “thisone is not his.”

Verse 11: NAS begins this verse with “but”,NIV with “and,” ESV with no conjunction at all. All three are possibletranslations for this Greek conjunction. Think about which translation makesthe most sense, given the thoughts before and after.

ESV, Romans 8:9-11 ⁹ You,however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of Goddwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong tohim. ¹⁰But if Christ is in you,although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because ofrighteousness. ¹¹ If the Spirit ofhim who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesusfrom the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit whodwells in you.

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Week 4: Romans 8:12-13

1) Read over 7:24 to 8:17 several times. Remind yourself ofour earlier discussions. Can you summarize in one or two sentences the pointPaul makes in 12-17? What title would you put on this section? (Note: justbecause a title is found in your Bible does not make it descriptive or accurate– the titles are not inspired!)

2) Verse 12 begins with “So then.” That is, this verse is animplication of what comes before. How do verses 9 to 11 provide support for thestatement in verse 12? What kind of obligation is Paul talking about? See howhe uses this word group in Romans 1:14, 4:4, and 15:27.

3) It seems that Paul never finishes the sentence in verse12; he tells us we are under obligation not to the flesh – but doesn’t tell uswho we are obligated to. Who is it, and why?

4) Verse 13 begins with “for,” so it provides a logicalground for something in the previous verse. What thought in verse 12 isgrounded in verse 13? Or, to put it another way, what question based on verse12 is being answered in verse 13?

5) When Paul uses the word “you” he is speaking of someonereading the letter; there is no “impersonal you” in Greek. What does “livingaccording to the flesh” correspond to in earlier verses? See in particularverse 4, and remember that “walk” is frequently used for “live” in the Hebrewlanguage (see, for example, Psalm 1:1).

6) The words translated “you must die” in the NAS can alsobe translated “you will die” (NIV, ESV), “you are going to die,” or “you areabout to die.” On the other hand, thereis no ambiguity concerning the translation of the last words in the verse, “youwill live.” Taking into account verses 4-6, what is Paul saying in the firstpart of verse 13? What type of death is he talking about?

7) Paul contrasts “living according to the flesh” with “bythe Spirit putting to death the misdeeds of the body.” What did he contrastwith “walking according to the flesh” in verse 4? Does Paul here say that theopposite of “living according to the flesh” is living a perfect life? Explain.

8) How do we go about putting to death the deeds of the bodyby the Spirit? Who puts to death the deeds of the body? What instrumentdoes this person use? What is he putting to death? Reflect on this in your ownlife and in the life of others.

9) The words “flesh,” “body,” “death,” and “dead” appear 19times in 7:24-8:13 (15 verses); they only appear 3 times in 8:14-39 (26 verses:see 23, 36, and 38), and even those three times are in much different contexts.Paul is moving away now from the question that he has focused on, the relationbetween sinning and being saved. So try to sum up what he teaches by supposingtwo friends named Guilt-ridden and Not-worry come to you. Guilt-ridden asks, “Icommitted this terrible sin yesterday! I don’t know if I’m saved!” Not-worrysays, “Oh, don’t worry about that! Sin doesn’t matter! There is no condemnationfor those who are in Christ Jesus! Never worry about sin!” What do you say inresponse?

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Week 5: Romans 8:14-17a

1) Read 8:1-17 several times; look over the earlierpreparation guides, particularly the one for 8:12-13. Recall our discussion ofverses 12 and 13. What is the purpose of verses 12 to 17 in Paul’s argument?What topics does Paul draw to a close in verse 13? What title did you give tothis section last week? Do you still want to use the same title?

2) Verse 14 begins with our favorite word, “For”, implyingthat this verse provides a logical ground for something that precedes it. Thestatement in verse 14 grounds what idea from verses 12 and 13?

3) To interpret verse 14 properly, you need to understandthe difference between an action by an agent and an action by an instrument.Think of the difference betweensaying, “The schoolchildren were led by their teacher into thecafeteria,” and saying, “The schoolchildren were led by hand into thecafeteria.” In the first sentence, the teacher is the agent, the one leading;in the second, the agent is not stated; the “hand” is the instrument by whichthe children are led. Verse 14 includes this phrase: “all who are led by theSpirit of God”. The English phrase is ambiguous; the Spirit could be the onedoing the leading (the agent), or the Spirit could be the instrument by whichwe are led. But the Greek grammar strongly suggests that the Spirit is the instrumentby which we are led, not the agent leading us. If this is the case, whois the agent? Who leads us? How then is the Spirit used as a means of leadingus?

4) Verse 15 begins with another “For”. How does this verseground the preceding one? What is the “spirit of fear” Paul talks about? Fearof what? And what type of slavery does this fear lead to? Consider Hebrews2:14-15. Is the author of Hebrews talking about the same type of fear andslavery?

5) The NAS and the NRSV translations have “spirit ofadoption” while the NIV and ESV capitalize the “S”, “Spirit of adoption.” Whatis the difference between these translations? Given the context, which do youthink is the appropriate translation? (The Greek doesn’t help us here, so ourunderstanding can only be based on the context).

6) What words are used in verses 15 to 17 to describe ourrelationship to God? How do these words differ from “a spirit of fear leadingto slavery”? If you the Spirit of God dwells in you, then all these words applyto you! Write this out in first person, including what the words imply: “I am a. . .” Remember that “Abba” means “Daddy.” Consider these other references asyou write (there are many, but this is really rich imagery!): Adoption:Romans 8:23, 9:4, Gal 4:5, Eph 1:5. Children: John. 1:12, 11:52, Acts17:29, Rom.8:21, 9:8, Phil. 2:15, 1 John. 3:1-2, 3:10, 5:2. Heirs orinheritance: Mat 5:5, Mat 19:29, 25:34,Mark 10:17, Acts 20:32, 26:18, Rom. 4:13-14, 1 Cor 6:9-11, 15:50-53, Gal 3:18, 3:29, 5:19-23, Eph 1:11-18, 3:6, 5:5,Col 1:12, 3:18, Tit. 3:7, Heb 1:14,6:11-17, 9:15, 11:8-9, Jas. 2:5, IPeter 1:3,4, Rev 21:6-8.

7) Verse 16 says that the Spirit Himself bears witness toor with our spirit that we are God’s children. Most translations use“with;” one of the foremost Greek grammarians alive today argues strongly for“to.” How do those two translations change the meaning of the verse? Whichmeaning is most consistent with Paul’s argument here? See 1 John 5:6-13 (Thispassage raises several questions itself – don’t focus on those, but askyourself how these verses shed light on the meaning of Romans 8:16?)

8) Reflect on the first part of verse 17 (we’ll look at thesecond half next week with verses 18ff). Who is a joint heir with Christ? Whatwill Christ inherit? Why is this important?

9) Now reflect on verses 12-17 as a whole. What role shouldthe ideas in this passage play in the life of believers? How can you use thesetruths in your life? How can you use them to help fellow believers?

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Week 6: Romans 8:17b-22

1) Read Romans 8:1-30 several times. Recall our discussionof the earlier sections. Now focus on verses 18 to 22. What is the purpose ofthis section in Paul’s argument? What title would you give to these 5 verses?

2) Look for the terms“glory” and “glorified” in verses 17 to 30. How often do they appear?These words are common in the New Testament, appearing in more than 200 verses.Here are the verses within Romans, outside of chapter 8: Romans 1:21, 1:23,2:7, 2:10, 3:7, 3:23, 4:20, 5:2, 6:4, 9:4, 9:23, 11:13, 11:36, 15:6, 15:7,15:9, 16:27. Given the way the words are used, how would you define these twowords?

3) Why does Paul link suffering with glory in verses 17 and18? Indeed, verse 17 says, “we suffer in order that we may also be glorified.”Consider Luke 24:26, Hebrews 2:9-10, 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, and 1 Peter4:12-5:11.

4) Verses 18 to 22 once again present us with a series ofstatements beginning with our favorite word, “for:” Verse 18, 19, 20-21, and22. (The NIV, unfortunately, leaves out three of these; look at the ESVtranslation below.) Recall our discussion of verses 1-8. For each “for,” try tothink of a question that is answered by the statement after the “for.” What isthe main idea that Paul is supporting with these five verses? What is the gistof Paul’s argument?

5) In verse 19, what does the phrase “the revealing of thesons of God” mean? Has this already occurred? How do you know? Who is waitingfor this revealing to happen? In what sense can we say that creation “waitseagerly”?

6) In verses 20 and 21, in what sense is creation subject tofutility or frustration? How does verse 21 (“bondage to decay” or “slavery tocorruption”) help you understand this? Who subjected the creation to thisfutility? Why? (Hint: Paul doesn’t tell us in this verse. See Genesis 3,particularly verse 17). What is the hope of creation?

7) The NIV’s translation of the end of verse 21, “gloriousfreedom of the children of God,” probably communicates the sense of the Greektext better than the ESV and NAS translations. In what sense are the childrenof God free? As you consider this question, look back over 7:24 to 8:17 andidentify the images of slavery, bondage, and freedom. Why is this freedomglorious? Make sure your answer to this question is consistent with your answerto question 2.

8) Verse 22 asserts that we know something; what do we know?Do you know this? What does Paul mean by saying that the creation sufferspains? What is the creation about to give birth to?

9) Now reflect on verses 18-22 as a whole. Look again atyour answer to question 4, and modify it if necessary. What role should theideas in this passage play in the life of believers? How can you use thesetruths in your life? How can you use them to help fellow believers?

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Week 7: Romans 8:23-25

1) Read Romans 8:1-30 several times. Recall our discussionof the earlier sections. Now focus on verses 23 to 25. What is the purpose ofthis section in Paul’s argument? What title would you give to these 3 verses?How do these verses relate to verses 17 and 18?

2) In verse 23, there is a strong emphasis in the originallanguage on “we ourselves.” The verb “wait eagerly” is repeated from verse 19;the verb “groan” is repeated (after losing a prefix meaning “together”) fromverse 22. What was “groaning” and “waiting eagerly” in the earlier verses? Howis our groaning and waiting similar? How is it different?

3) In verses 9 and 11 Paul has made very clear that unlesswe have the Spirit we are not in Christ. Why then in verse 23 does Paul use theclause “who have the first fruits of the Spirit”? In what sense do we have onlythe first fruits? Why is that sense important in this verse?

4) What does Paul mean by the redemption (or liberation) ofour bodies? What have we learned about our bodies earlier in this chapter? Whatis in store for us? See 1 John 3:1,2.

5) Verse 24 begins, “For in this hope we were saved.” Whathope, or expectation, is Paul talking about? What does it mean to be saved “inhope”?

6) In what sense do we not hope for what we see? Can youthink of something that you have seen that you hope for? How is Paul using thewords “see” and “hope” in these verse?

7) Verse 25 includes another “if – then” conditionalstatement. As we have discussed earlier, we can translate this, “Don’t we hopefor what you do not see? (Implied, ‘Yes!’) Then we wait for it with endurance!”Explain how the “then-statement” follows from the “if-statement.” The finalword can be translated “endurance” or “patience.” What clues in the passageindicate which is the better translation?

8) Look again at your answer to question 1 and revise it.How can you use these 3 verses to help brothers and sisters who are goingthrough suffering?

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Week 8: Romans 8:26-27

1) Read Romans 8:1-30 several times, then focus in on18-27. Recall our discussions of 18-25; you may want to look over the questionswe’ve addressed on those verses. Now focus on the transition from verse 25 to26. Verse 26 begins with a word that means “likewise” or “similarly” or “in thesame manner.” How is the Spirit helping us in our weakness similar to an ideafound in the earlier verses?

2) Given the second half of verse 26, what does the phrase“our weakness” refer to?

3) Our favorite word “for” appears in the middle of verse26 (if you’re using the NIV, write in “For” immediately prior to “we do notknow”). How does the second half of the verse support the idea in the firsthalf?

4) What is it that we do not know? The phrase can betranslated literally either as “how to pray as is right” or “what to pray foras is right.” Given the context of verses 18 to 28, what does Paul mean by thisphrase? Think of examples from your own life.

5) How does the Spirit interceding for us withinexpressible groans help us?

6) In verse 27, who searches our hearts (the Greek textonly tells us that he is masculine)?Consider Luke 16:15, Acts 1:24, Rev 2:23, Jeremiah 17:10, Psalm 139:23,1 Chronicles 28:9. Why does Paul include this phrase, “who searches ourhearts”? Why is it important to his argument?

7) The next phrase is literally “knows what the mindset ofthe spirit is”. The word “spirit” could be lower case or upper case (everyEnglish translation I looked at uses upper case). The phrase “mindset of thespirit” is identical in Greek to a phrase that we examined in 8:6, where it wastranslated “the mind controlled by the Spirit” or “the mind set on the Spirit”.Why is it important that “he who searches our hearts knows what the mindset ofthe spirit is”?

8) In the last phrase, who are the saints? Look at Romans1:7, where Paul addresses his letter.

9) We’ve looked at a lot of trees; now try to picture theforest. Paraphrase these verses, in your own words writing out what they mean.Keep in mind our discussion of the earlier verses.

10) These two verses are part of a longer section onsuffering. How are these verses helpful to those who are suffering? How canthey help you when ministering to suffering people?

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Week 9: Romans 8:28

1) First, some notes on translation: Because of a coupleof strange rules in Greek, grammatically it is impossible to tell in 8:28whether “all things” is the subject or the object of “works together.” So wecan translate the main clause as, “And we know that He works all thingstogether for good” (with the clear implication that “He” is God) or “And weknew that all things work together for good.”Both translations clearly state that God is sovereign, so I don’t thinkthe choice makes much difference. With that in view, read Romans 8:17-39several times. Recall our discussions of 18-27; you may want to look over thosepreparation guides. What purpose does 8:28 serve in the longer passage?

2) How many things work together for good? Is thereanything that happens that does not work for the good of the people of God?

3) Recall that the chapter begins with Paul saying thereis no condemnation for a group of people. And then he defines the group ofpeople in two ways: those who are “in Christ Jesus” and those who “walk notaccording to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Paul does somethingsimilar here: he defines the group for whom all things work together for goodin two ways. What are the two ways? What attitude does this group have towardsGod? What has God done for them? How can both be true? (You might findDeuteronomy 30:6 helpful. In that verse, what is the equivalent of the call?What leads to the people loving God?)

4) What does Paul mean by “called according to His purpose”?The Bible sometimes uses the word “called” to mean the general gospelinvitation given to all (Matthew 22:14, Proverbs 9:1-5), and sometimes to meanonly those who are effectually called, those who become God’s people(Romans 1:6-7, 1 Corinthians 1:23-24). Which meaning is used here? Think more about this: What is thedifference between a “call” I give to my cat: “Here, Kitty-kitty! Madison, comeinside!” and the call Jesus gave to Lazarus: “Lazarus, come forth!” Which typeof call is in view in this verse?

5) Why does Paul add the words “according to His purpose”?How do these words help us to answer question 6? Look ahead a few verses toRomans 9:10-12; this passage includes the words “purpose” and “call.” What typeof purpose is in view there? What is contrasted with “because of Him whocalls”?

6) What does Paul mean by “good”? In what sense are allthings working together for good for the called? Does it mean that we will nothave sufferings, trials, or pain? Does it mean we won’t die in tragic accidents,or as a result of war? Look back at verses 18 to 27 and ahead to verses 29 and39 in answering this. Notice that verse 29 begins with “For,” so verses 29-30provide a logical ground for verse 28. What insight does this ground give usinto the meaning of “good”? See also Rom 5:3-5, Gen 50:20 (reflect on the storyof Joseph and his brothers), Deut 8:3, 2 Cor 4:7-17, Phil 1:20-21, 2 Thess1:4-5, 2 Tim 3:6-12, 4:6-8, James 1:2-4, 1 Pet 1:6-10, 5:8-10.

7) Paraphrase this verse in a way that brings out theimportant points. What are the implications of this verse for how we live?Consider: doing things that make others think well of us; trying to put othersdown; storing up assets so we will have security. How can we effectively usethis verse – and, indeed, the entire passage – with those who are suffering,without belittling the depth of their pain?

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Week 10: Romans 8:29-30

1) Read Romans 8:17 to 39 several times. Remind yourselfof our earlier discussions: What is the major question addressed in 8:17-30?What are the three answers Paul has already given to this question (in verses18-22, 23-25, 26-27)? How has he begun to give a fourth answer in 8:28?

2) In verses 29 and 30 Paul makes five statements with Godas the subject and His people as the object. List these five statements. Arethe five statements sequential in time?

3) Verse 29 begins once again with our favorite word,“For”. So these two verses are a logical ground for verse 28, explaining whythat verse is true. You might suppose someone, hearing verse 28, asks, “How dowe know that all things work together for good for those who are called byGod?” How do verses 29 and 30 answer that question? What is the big picturehere? What type of good does Paul focus on? How is that helpful to peoplecaught in the midst of present suffering? It might be helpful to look ahead toverse 32 as you write your answer.

4) Verse 29 says God’s people are predestined to what?What does this phrase mean? How does this relate to our present suffering? Lookback at verse 17, as well as 2 Corinthians3:18 and 4:17 (indeed, the entire passage in 2 Corinthians is helpful).

5) What is God’s purposein conforming us to Christ’s image? How does this relate to the theme of thepassage (look back at verses 16 and 17)?

6) The Greek of verse30 emphasizes that exactly the same ones whom God predestines to be conformedto the image of Christ are also called, justified, and glorified; not one islost along the way. Why is this a comfort to those who experience suffering?

7) We looked at calling last week (see the preparationguide). Why does Paul put calling after being predestined to conformity to thelikeness of Christ? Why does he put it before being justified?

8) What is justification? See Romans 4:6-7, 5:9, 5:19, and2 Corinthians 5:21. Why does Paul put justification between calling and beingglorified?

9) What is glorification? See Philippians 3:20-21 and 1Corinthians 15:42-43. Why is it last?

10) Someone might read 8:30 and say: “I need not obey God;if I’m saved, my glorification is already assured!” Why is that an incorrectinference? Look back at Romans 8:1-13, and recall our discussions. Look also atHebrews 5:9 and 12:14 as well as 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and Galatians 5:21. Giventhese verses, how can Paul be so sure that the justified will be glorified?Mightn’t a Christian who has received Christ rebel, live a life of sin – andthus not inherit the kingdom of God? How does Ezekiel 36:27 help you to answerthis question?

11) Pretend that a Christian friend of yours is sufferingfrom both bereavement and illness, and has written you a letter showing thathe/she is quite depressed. Using the truths that we have seen in Romans8:18-30, reply to your friend’s letter.

ESV ²⁹For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformedto the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among manybrothers. ³⁰ Andthose whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he alsojustified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Week 11: Romans 8:31-34

1) Read all of Romans 8, and recall the structure of thefirst 30 verses. What was Paul’s major theme in verses 1 to 13? What was hismajor theme in verses 17 to 30? What is Paul doing in verses 31 to 39? Whatrelationship do these verses have to the rest of the chapter?

2) In verse 31, what are “these things”?

3) In verse 31, is the answer to the second question “noone”? Remember, if you say “no one” the answer must hold for Paul, as well asall those through the years who have suffered and died for their faith. Namethose people and powers who opposed Paul. Name those who oppose you. Name thosewho don’t know you personally but oppose the gospel today. Are these opponentsinsignificant? Given these thoughts, fashion a response to verse 31 by one ofPaul’s readers who is suffering persecution.

4) What is the logic of verse 32? That is, what does thefirst half of the verse (God not sparing Jesus but delivering Him over to deathfor us) have to do with the second half of the verse (God freely giving us allthings with Jesus)?

5) How then does verse 32 answer the question youfashioned in your answer to (3) above? John Piper calls this the most preciousverse in the most precious chapter in the Bible. Why is it so precious?

6) What does Paul mean by “all things” in verse 32? Seeverses 28 to 30.

7) In verse 33, is the answer to the question “no one”?Who might accuse you of sinning? So what comfort is in this verse?

8) What is the relationship between verses 33-34 andverses 1-13? Recall our discussion of justification when looking at verses 29and 30. Note that the first phrase of verse 4 can be translated, “in order thatthe just requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us.”

9) What four statements about Jesus does Paul make inverse 34? What is the relationship between these four statements and thequestion that begins the verse?

10) Try to paraphrase these verses in a few sentences. Whyare these verses a comfort to those with whom Paul has been interacting in theearlier sections of the chapter? Why are they a comfort to you today? Whatpromises can you hold on to from these verses? Why are these important?

11) Reflect on this entire chapter. What has this studytaught you about sin? About suffering? About your relationship to God? How dothese changes in your understanding affect your emotions? Respond to this chapterin your own personal way. You might want to sing a song, or write a poem, ordraw a picture, or write a letter to a friend.

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>

Week 12: Romans 8:35-39

1) Once again, read all of Romans 8, and remind yourselfof the structure of the chapter. What was Paul’s major theme in verses 1 to 13?What was his major theme in verses 17 to 30? What relationship do 31 to 39 haveto the rest of the chapter? What topics has Paul dealt with in verses 31 to 34?

2) Verse 35 begins by asking “Who” – but then Paul listsnot people but types of difficulties. Why does he begin with “Who”? When doesPaul finish answering this question?

3) Here is an expansion of Paul’s list of difficulties,which brings out the connotations of the Greek words: “outside pressures,difficulties (tight places) we have to pass through, our being pursued by otherstrying to harm us, the lack of food or sustenance, the lack of protection fromthe elements, risky situations in which something terrible might happen, beingkilled.” Think about these, and how they apply to you and people you know. Whymight people facing such difficulties think they are separated from God’s love?

4) What purpose does verse 36 serve in Paul’s argument?Why does Paul talk about being sheep set aside for slaughter? Isn’t this astrange way to bring comfort to those who are suffering?

5) The quotation in verse 36 is from Psalm 44:22. Read theentire Psalm. Summarize each of these sections of the Psalm in a sentence:verses 1-8, 9-16, 17-22, and 23-26. Now think again about your answer to theprevious question: Why does Paul quote this Psalm at the end of Romans 8?

6) In verse 37, what is Paul referring to by the phrase“in all these things”?

7) In 37, Paul is still answering the question, “Who willseparate us from the love of God?” What role does God’s love for us play inverse 37?

8) Why does Paul say that we overwhelmingly conquer(NAS) or that we are more than conquerors? Why can’t he just say that weconquer? In what sense is our victory over “these things” an overwhelming one?Where have we seen something similar earlier in the chapter?

9) Think about the list Paul gives us in verses 38 and 39.List those things that cause you to become fearful. Are they included in Paul’slist? A few notes: the word translated “demons” (NIV) or “principalities” (NAS)is literally “rulers”, but as it is paired with “angels”, the translators areprobably correct that Paul is thinking of evil spirits of some type. “Things tocome” may well include the final judgment. “Height nor depth” may refer to thetaking of horoscopes, and thus include fate, or impersonal forces.

10) Look back at verse 1. What parallel exists between thefirst and last verses of this chapter?

11) List the questions Paul asks in 31 to 39, and writesuccinct answers to each. What is the bottom line of this chapter? Why is thatimportant in your own life? What warning does this chapter include? How can youuse these truths in shining the light of the gospel on the lives of others?

ESV ³⁵Who shall separate us from thelove of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, ornakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written,

"Foryour sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regardedas sheep to be slaughtered."^b

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerorsthrough him who loved us. ³⁸ ForI am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor thingspresent nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in allcreation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus ourLord.

Copyright © 2001, Thomas C. Pinckney. Thisdata file is the sole property of Thomas C. Pinckney. Please feel free to copyit, but for circulation freely without charge. A set of questions for one weekmay be copied on its own, but must contain this copyright notice. If the entirestudy guide is used in a small group, the copyright notice need only appear onthe initial handout.

This study guide may be edited and revisedfor use in small groups provided:

1. The copyright notice is included, with the addition "as revised by _____ in (month), (year);"
2. A link is provided to http://www.expository.org/romans8.htm for those who want to see the original study guide;
3. The resulting product is not sold.

This data file in its original or modifiedform may not be copied for resale or incorporated in any commercial publications,or other products offered for sale, without the written permission of Thomas C.Pinckney, email, c/o Desiring God Community Church, Box 620099, Charlotte NC 28262.

(returnto main sermon page)

<![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]>